Methods and systems for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors. One or more wayside units placed on or near a track may be configured to form a work zone network, based on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications, corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, at least one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units may be configured to obtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based on communications of UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unit deployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured to generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating to the train and/or the work zone.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/910,804, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, which makes reference to,claims priority to, and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/865,688, filed on Jun. 24, 2019, and which isalso a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/460,302, filed on Jul. 2, 2019, which in turn is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/623,996, filed on Jun. 15, 2017,which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/078,427, filed on Mar. 23, 2016, which in turn makes referenceto, claims priority to, and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/177,683, filed on Mar. 23, 2015. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/623,996 also makes reference to, claims priorityto, and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/350,520, filed on Jun. 15, 2016. Each of the above identifiedapplications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to safety solutions for use inconjunction with railway systems. More specifically, variousimplementations of the present disclosure relate to methods and systemsfor a worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchornetwork.

BACKGROUND

Various issues may exist with conventional approaches for workerprotection in conjunction with railway systems. In this regard,conventional systems and methods, if any existed, for worker protectionin conjunction with dangers posed by work on or near tracks, may becostly, inefficient, and/or ineffective.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such approaches with some aspects of various examplemethods and systems as set forth in the remainder of this disclosurewith reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

System and methods are provided for a worker protection system withultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network, substantially as shown inand/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as setforth more completely in the claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentdisclosure, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof,will be more fully understood from the following description anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example worker protection system withultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example use scenario of a worker protection systemwith ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network, in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example use scenario of a worker protection systemwith ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network and back office, inaccordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (e.g., hardware), and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) that may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory (e.g., a volatileor non-volatile memory device, a general computer-readable medium, etc.)may comprise a first “circuit” when executing a first one or more linesof code and may comprise a second “circuit” when executing a second oneor more lines of code. Additionally, a circuit may comprise analogand/or digital circuitry. Such circuitry may, for example, operate onanalog and/or digital signals. It should be understood that a circuitmay be in a single device or chip, on a single motherboard, in a singlechassis, in a plurality of enclosures at a single geographical location,in a plurality of enclosures distributed over a plurality ofgeographical locations, etc. Similarly, the term “module” may, forexample, refer to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) andany software and/or firmware (“code”) that may configure the hardware,be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with thehardware.

As utilized herein, circuitry or module is “operable” to perform afunction whenever the circuitry or module comprises the necessaryhardware and code (if any is necessary) to perform the function,regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or notenabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in thelist joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any elementof the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/ory” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and/or z”means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x,z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one ormore of x, y, and z.” As utilized herein, the term “exemplary” meansserving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “for example” and “e.g.” set off lists of oneor more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

As utilized herein, “train” refers to any vehicle, car or the like thatoperates on train racks. This may include vehicles, cars or the likethat operating individually (e.g., as single vehicle) or within a group(e.g., one of cars in a multi-car railway train). Further, as utilizedherein a train may include powered vehicles, cars or the like (e.g.,incorporating power means for driving the car or the vehicle,autonomously and/or based on power provided to the car or the vehiclefrom external sources) and/or non-powered cars or vehicles.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example worker protection system withultra-wideband (UWB) based anchor network, in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Shown in FIG. 1 is a worker protection system 100,which may be used in providing and/or enhancing workers safety,particularly with regard to dangers posed by trains in railway workenvironments.

The worker protection system 100 may be configured for implementationand/or deployment within a railway system to ensure or enhance workerprotection, by issuing alerts to railroad worker(s) 105 for example,such as when a particular vehicle (e.g., a train 101) is approaching alocation where the workers 105 are present. In this regard, the workerprotection system 100 comprises one or more devices or components (e.g.,deployed within a railway system, such within the trains, on or near thetracks, on the workers, etc.), each comprising suitable hardware(including, e.g., circuitry), software, or any combination thereofconfigured for supporting worker protection related operations orfunctions.

For example, the worker protection system 100, as shown in FIG. 1 , oneor more train units 120 and one or more wayside units 130. The trainunit 120 may be configured such as it may be mounted or deployed onvehicles (e.g., one of the railcars of train 101. In particular, thetrain unit 120 may be that may be mounted or deployed on trains that maypose danger to the workers. The wayside units 130 may be configured fordeployment in “wayside” manner—that is, along or near a path of a train(e.g., track 103 traversed by the train 101). The wayside units 130 maybe portable devices configured for placement by the workers 105 at awork site (when needed). Alternatively, at least some of the waysideunits 130 may be fixed devices, configured for deployment at particularlocations (e.g., on or near the tracks), to provide worker protectionrelated functions whenever the workers may be present in the area. Forexample, in some implementations at least some of the wayside units 130may comprise an anchor network, comprising a number of anchor devices(also referred to simply as anchors) deployed at particular position onor near train tracks, with these anchor devices being configured toprovide the wayside functions.

The worker protection system 100 may also comprise wearable devices,referred to as personal devices (or personal units) 110, which may beworn or otherwise carried by the workers 105 when operating at aparticular work site. The personal devices 110 may communicate with oneor both of the train unit 120 and the wayside units 130, which may beconfigured to directly transmit alerts to the personal devices 110 orotherwise trigger generating alerts by the personal devices 110 (e.g.,by transmitting signals causing issuing of alerts by the personaldevices 110).

In an example operation of the system, the train unit 120 may beconfigured to trigger alerts under particular conditions—e.g., when itdetects it is approaching a work site (or work crew), such as bydetecting the wayside units 130 or any personal devices 110 the workersmay have. The train unit 120 may also be configured to alert the vehicleoperator—that workers are in proximity, and may provide additionalinformation in this regard (e.g., display the number of detectedworkers, indicate distance to workers, indicate whether workers haveconfirmed the alarm, etc.). Similarly, the wayside units 130 may beconfigured to trigger alerts under particular conditions, such as whenit detects the approaching vehicle (the train 101).

The personal device 110 may be designed and/or configured as a small andlight device, with low profile so as not to impede normal workingactivities of the worker(s) 105 wearing it. For example, the personaldevice 110 may be worn by either a clip, arm band or belt clip. Thepersonal device 110 is operable to issue an indication (e.g., audio,visual, tactile, etc.) to alert the worker wearing it of an approachingobject (that poses a safety concern). For example, the personal device110 may comprise audio warning component (e.g., a speaker), a visualwarning component (e.g., a multi-color LED indicator), tactile indicatorcomponent (e.g., vibration), etc.

Further, the personal device 110 may be operable to enable the user toprovide feedback in response to issued alarm indication. For example,the personal device 110 may comprise an alert acknowledgement element,such as a confirmation button to silence alarms (i.e., a “mute” or“confirm” switch). To improve and optimize wearability of the personaldevice 110, its housing may be designed to include various features tosupport multiple mounting locations and/or approaches (e.g., clipped onthe user's clothing/equipment, around the user's wrist, etc.). Thepersonal device 110 may be configurable to provide alerts adaptivelybased on particular pre-set conditions—e.g., to provide at least a 15second warning in line of sight conditions, when a train is approachingat 60 mph.

In an example implementation, the personal device 110 may be a work vestequipped (e.g., embedded therein) with the necessary electronics andrelated suitable circuitry for supporting functions attributing to theperson device 110 (e.g., communication functions, alert relatedfunctions, etc.). For example, the vest may be equipped (e.g., embeddedtherein) with the necessary electronics for generating audible and/orvisual alarms (e.g., when a train is approaching, which would becommunicated/propagated along the anchors. Other options other thanvests may also be employed, such as helmets, armbands, belts, wristbands, back packs, etc., which may similarly be equipped with necessaryelectronics and associated suitable circuitry for supporting functionsattributing to the person device 110.

The train unit 120 may be configured either as a portable device (e.g.,brought into and that may be mounted to vehicles only when needed), oras permanently mounted or integrated component (of vehicles).Implementing the train unit 120, which typically is the most costlycomponent of the system, as a detachable device may be desirable as itallows use of small number of the train unit 120, being only moved intoand used on vehicles being operated, thus reducing the deployment costsignificantly. The train unit 120 may be operable to broadcast signalsthat are specifically configured to interfaces with other components ofthe system, such as the wayside units 130 and/or the personal devices110, to provide increased distance. Further, in some instances the trainunit 120 may be operable to, when worker(s) is/are detected, provideindication to the operator(s) of the vehicle, such as by displayingand/or sounding warnings. In some instances, the train unit 120 mayprovide detailed information (rather than generic warning), such asindicating the quantity of workers detected, and the approximatedistance to the workers.

While the train unit 120 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a singular physicalcomponent, incorporating all components (including antennas), thedisclosure is not so limited, and in some instances train units may beimplemented to support distributed arrangements—e.g., comprising aplurality of physical units, which may be placed at different locationsor positions within the vehicles. For example, train units may comprisea first physical unit comprising the antennas (and related circuitry orother support components), and one or more other physical units housingthe remaining components of the train units. In this regard, thephysical antenna unit may be configured for optimal placement (e.g., onroof of front car in train) which may be deemed optimal based on one ormore placement criteria (e.g., optimal broadcast characteristics,maximum safety to operators and other individuals on train, such aspassengers, etc.).

The wayside units 130 is configured to operate as stand-alone device,placed on or near the path of the object(s) being detected. For example,the wayside units 130 may be attached to placement component (e.g., atripod), and is temporarily placed near the track 103. The placement ofthe wayside units 130 may be subject to particular criteria—e.g., nocloser than certain distance (for example, four feet) to the nearestrail, at or in advance of each end of a work zone. The wayside units 130may be utilized in areas where trains or other vehicles may not havevehicle mounted companion devices (e.g., train unit 120). The waysideunits 130 may broadcast signal(s) when a train or vehicle passes.Further, in some instances, the wayside units 130 may have dualfunctionality as these devices may interface with train units (e.g., thetrain unit 120) while also broadcasting signals to personal devices. Inaddition, in some instances, the wayside units 130 may be configured torespond to transmissions from the personal devices. In this regard, someinstances the personal device may be configured as a transmitteronly—that is, lacking the capability to receive signals (and thus takeactions based on such reception). In such implementations, the personaldevice may only transmit signals for indicating its rough proximity,with the wayside units (e.g., anchors) transmitting only after receivinga message. Thus, the personal device would effectively broadcast to anyanchor that can “hear” it rather than requiring use of targeted(addressed) transmissions. Such approach may be utilized because UWBreception operations may require more power than transmission, and assuch eliminating reception functions may be desirable for systems suchas the personal device, which may have limited power supply (as it maytypically be battery operated); whereas transmitting periodically hasminimal impact on battery life. The disclosure is not so limited, andaccordingly in an alternative approach, personal device may beconfigured to transmit and receive, but to do so in power efficientmanner—e.g., transmitting and receiving for a short period of time, thenpower down or transition to low power mode (e.g., sleep mode), to savebattery life.

In various example implementations in accordance with the presentdisclosure, worker protection systems (such as the worker protectionsystem 100 of FIG. 1 ) may be configured for utilizing ultra-wideband(UWB) technology, such as to determine distance between trains, workzones, and workers. In such implementations, each of the components ofthe system (e.g., the train unit(s), the wayside units, and the personalunits) may be configured to enable and support UWB-based communications.Thus, the system components may be configured to utilize UWB ranging forprecise location and/or speed determinations. The system may operateminimally with an equipped train (e.g., incorporating train unit(s)) anda wayside/anchor network, comprising wayside units (including anchors).The personnel device is an option that offers additional protection.

The UWB-based anchor network consists of anchors that contain redundantUWB ranging radios as well as antennas. The radios communicate through ahigh-speed mesh network both to adjacent anchors as well as to a backoffice. The exact location and speed of each train is communicated tothe back office as well as the health status of the network. The backoffice may communicate a work zone and decreased speed limit to theanchors which communicates this information to the train. In an exampleimplementation, anchors may be configured to communicate and/orpropagate work zone designations (e.g., wirelessly and/or via wirednetworking based connections, such as Ethernet), with a specified numberof anchors as needed on both or either side of the work zone. Suchenhanced warning capabilities may be used to allow for giving as muchadvance notice as required by the work zone in a variety of locations,such as around curves and in other areas of limited visibility.Similarly, such enhanced warning capabilities may be used to allow forappropriate advance warning times to handle high train speeds whichwould require notification further away from the work zone.

In another scenario, UWB-based anchors may become activated as a workzone when an equipped worker was detected. The UWB radios in the workervest would communicate to the anchor its presence, and, if configurableparameters were met, a work zone and speed limit may be implemented.This is illustrated and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2. The anchor network may communicate the activation of the work zone(and related information) to the back office. This is illustrated anddescribed in more detail with respect to FIG. 3 . As the trainapproached the worker and configurable parameters were met, the trainwould either slow or stop prior to entering the work zone.

The anchor network may be configured to determine the location and speedof each train, and may be configured to meet regulatory guidelines onwork zones—e.g., ensuring a 15-second warning with a train travelling 80mph as opposed to 20 mph requires additional distance. In this case, theanchor network as opposed to the actual anchor that the workers areactivated in may alert the train. If anchors A, B, C, and D are mountedin that order and workers activate D, any of the preceding anchors mayalert the train depending on speed. This ensures the workers and trainoperator receive a 15-second alert.

In an example implementation, each wayside device (e.g., anchor) 130 maycomprise suitable circuitry for supporting alerts (e.g., audible andvisual alerting mechanism). If a work zone is set either by the backoffice or by the worker vests, the anchor will visibly change either bya flashing sequence, change in color, or other visible cue. If a workervest is detected, an audible chirp may be emitted to ensure that theworker is aware it was detected. If a train is entering the work zone,alarming of the anchor will occur alerting the workers in the vicinitythat a train is approaching.

In an example implementation, each personnel device 110 may beconfigured to support use of audible, visual, and vibratory alarms(e.g., if a train is detected). Once alarmed, the worker could silencethe alarming by hitting a confirmation button. When all personneldevices in an area are confirmed, the anchor may be configured toautomatically stop alarming. The anchor would then remain in a warningstate until the train has cleared the area. The warning state maycomprise periodic visual and/or audible indications (e.g., at a reducedintensity and/or repetition rate).

In an example implementation, the train unit 120 may comprise UWBranging radio and antenna, suitable housing (e.g., hard chassis orenclosure, for enclosing other components, particularlyelectronics/circuitry, which may be susceptible to damage in trainenvironments), and user interface. The train operator will receive anaudible and visual alarm on the User Interface. The User Interface maycommunicate the distance to the work zone and the new speed limit. Whenworker devices are present, the number of workers and whether they haveconfirmed their alarm is also communicated.

In some implementations, the personal device may be a scaled downversion that consists of transmit only version of the UWB technology. Inthis scenario, the personal device would not contain audible, visual, orvibratory alarming. Alarming would occur on the anchor and the trainuser interface. This implementation allows for a smaller, embedded radioin the worker vest in order to obtain much longer battery life. Thesmaller implementation also allows for better movement of the worker andmore options for deployment.

In scenarios with no anchor network is available, portable UWB waysideunits may be deployed. These portable units may be set before a workzone, typically on a tripod, and communicate work zone status directlyto the train. Personnel devices may be deployed, and both personneldevices and trains will behave in the same manner as if there was ananchor network. Accordingly, references to “anchors” and “anchornetwork” may comprise both fixed/pre-deployed UWB anchors as well asportable UWB wayside units deployed temporarily and/or only when andwhere needed (e.g., at work sites).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example use scenario of a worker protection systemwith ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Shown in FIG. 2 is a sequence of actions during an exampleuse scenario of worker protection system with ultra-wideband (UWB) basedanchors in accordance with the present disclosure (e.g., the workerprotection system 100 of FIG. 1 ).

Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a sequence of events and/or actions that mayoccur when a work zone is automatically formed and activated (e.g., byUWB-based anchors of a worker protection system, such as theanchors/wayside units 130 of the worker protection system 100 of FIG. 1) in an area where a worker is present when the worker is detected. Forexample, in the initial state (denoted as ‘A’ in FIG. 2 ), no workersare present within operating range of the anchors/wayside units 130, andthus no work zone is formed even as the train 101 traverses the track103 within communication range of the anchors/wayside units 130 deployedon or near the track 103.

In subsequent state/action (denoted as ‘B’ in FIG. 2 ), worker 105enters a zone covered (e.g., within communication range, particularlyUWB communications) by one or more of the anchors/wayside units 130. Ininstances where the worker 105 is wearing or carrying personal device110, the personal device 110 may initiate communications with anyanchors/wayside units 130 that are in range within the area that theworker entered.

Then, in subsequent state/action (denoted as ‘C’ in FIG. 2 ), a workzone is automatically formed and activated, corresponding to andcomprising “activated” anchors/wayside units 130—e.g., in response tocommunications with the personal device 110 of the worker 105. In thisregard, it should be understood that such work zone is not fixed;rather, the work zone may be propagated beyond the anchors that are incommunication with the personal device 110 and/or may change (e.g.,based on movement of the worker 105). With the work zone activated, whenthe train 101 train approaches work zone, the train unit 120 may startcommunicating with any of the anchors/wayside units 130 within orassociated with the work zone—that is, the “activated” anchors, and thusthe train 101 would be notified of the work zone as the train 101approaches the zone.

The result in the train in either case may be a notification to thetrain operator (e.g., audible and/or visual), a restricted speed limit(which may be automatically enforced, either slowing the train orpenalty stopping the train), or automatically stopping the train,regardless of its speed, prior to entering the work zone to ensure thatthe operator takes time to assess the worker(s) present prior toproceeding at restricted speed.

In some implementations, the anchor network may have the capability todetect the number of workers present.

In some implementations, the personal devices 110 (e.g., used by worker105) may comprise suitable circuitry and related hardware (e.g.,electronics) configured to provide alarms (e.g., an audible and visualalarm), such as when a train is approaching, which may becommunicated/propagated along the anchors.

In some implementations, anchors may be equipped with audible and visualalarms (so that the worker vests don't have to be equipped). The visualalarm may be a flashing strobe or other attention-getting indications

In some implementations, the personal devices 110 may incorporate aninput component (e.g., a confirmation button and related circuitry) toreceive confirmation form the worker, and to wirelessly communicate(wirelessly) a corresponding indication to the anchor, and then to thetrain—that is, wireless relay—to allow the train operator to know if theworkers have confirmed knowledge of an approaching train. If all workerspresent have confirmed, the train may be allowed to travel at a higherrestricted speed (e.g., 10 mph instead of 3 mph). The train unit 120 maybe configured to provide to the train operator various indicationsrelating to the work zone—e.g., to alert the train operator prior to,and in advance of entering the work zone (e.g., “Work Zone Ahead”), andthen at the entry point to the work zone (“Entering Work Zone”), andfinally when exiting the work zone (e.g., “Leaving Work Zone”).

In some implementations, the train operator may be notified visuallyand/or audibly (e.g., via the train unit 120) of the number of workersas well as how many have confirmed the alarm before or as they enter thework zone.

In some implementations, the alarm in the work zone may automaticallydecrease to an alert when all workers had confirmed.

In an alternative use scenario (denoted as D′ in FIG. 2 ), the work zonemay be formed and/or activated manually. In this regard, the worker 105may manually activate a work zone such as by interacting with one of theanchors/wayside units 130 (e.g., by pressing a work zone button on theanchor(s) located at the work site, to activate the appropriately size a“work zone”). This may be done, for example, where the worker 105 maynot have or carry a personal device 110.

Once activated, the anchor or anchor network (e.g., anchors creatingcollectively a work zone where the worker is present, such as bycommunicating (140) with one another) may be configured to communicatepresence of workers to approaching trains. By activating the work zone,the train may receive a restricted (decreased) speed limit prior toapproaching the work zone. In some implementations, the anchors andtrain may each provide audible and visual alarms (for the workers andthe train operator, respectively) when the train enters the work zone.

In some instances, less urgent alerts may be given to the train operatorand workers based on configurable parameters when the train nears thework zone, followed by the urgent alert upon entry in the work zone.Further, as described before (e.g., with respect to automaticallyactivated work zones), the train may be automatically stopped prior toentry of the work zone or the speed automatically decreased to complywith the configured work zone speed restriction.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example use scenario of a worker protection systemwith ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors and back office, in accordancewith the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 3 is a worker protectionsystem with ultra-wideband (UWB) based anchors and back office inaccordance with the present disclosure (e.g., the worker protectionsystem 100 of FIG. 1 ).

In this regard, in addition to the components previously described, asshown in FIG. 3 the worker protection system 100 also comprises a back(central) office. The back office may comprise a server 180 and aterminal 190. The server 180 and the terminal 190 may be configured forallowing operators in the central office (e.g., dispatchers) to interactwith, and if needed control operations of the worker protection system100. In this regard, the terminal 190 also may be configured forproviding feedback to the operators, such as alerts, notifications, andthe like. The back office may be connected to the anchors (e.g.,anchors/wayside units 130) via communication backbone 170, to facilitatecontrol thereof. Further, in some instances, the backbone 170 may alsobe used to facilitate interactions among components of the back officeas well.

In an inactive state of the system (denoted as ‘A’ in FIG. 3 ), no workzone is formed/activated. In an active state of the system (denoted as‘B’ in FIG. 3 ), a work zone is formed/activated remotely from the backoffice. In this regard, a back office dispatcher may (e.g., byinteracting (150) with the server 180, which in turn interacts (160)with the anchors 130, with all these interactions taking place over thebackbone 170) to remotely configure a work zone in a designated zone andto assign a work zone speed restriction. Such remote configuration ofwork zones may obviate the need to require workers to wear specialequipment.

The anchors 130 would then give a visual and/or audible indication thatthe location is now set as a work zone. The back office may detect thelocation of a train via the anchor network, and may automatically alert(140) the train operator of the approach to a work zone as well asspecific actions required (e.g., instruction to stop for a configurableperiod, to proceed at a restricted speed of 10 mph, or similar command).The anchor network may also be configured to provide audible and/orvisual indications or alarms to the workers (e.g., via the anchors 130),such as when a train was approaching the work zone so that the workersknow to move to a safe location.

An example system for worker protection, in accordance with the presentdisclosure, comprises one or more wayside units placed on or near atrack, with each wayside unit comprising one or more circuits configuredto transmit and/or receive wireless signals, with the signals comprisingultra-wideband (UWB) signals; to process transmitted and/or receivedsignals; and to perform based on processing of the transmitted and/orreceived signals, one or more functions. The one or more wayside unitsare configured to form a work zone network based on UWB communications,corresponding to a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity tothe one or more wayside units. When the work zone network is formed, atleast one wayside unit of the one or more wayside units is configured toobtain ranging information to a train traversing the track, based oncommunications of the UWB signals with at least one train-mounted unitdeployed on the train, and the one or more wayside units are configuredto generate, based on the ranging information, notifications relating tothe train and/or the work zone.

In an example implementation, the at least one wayside unit is an anchorpre-installed at a particular location near the track.

In an example implementation, the at least one wayside unit isconfigured to determine, based on the ranging information, one or bothof location and speed of the train.

In an example implementation, the one or more wayside units areconfigured to communicate at least a portion of the notifications to theat least one train-mounted unit.

In an example implementation, the notifications comprise controlinformation for controlling operation of the train, and the one or morewayside units are configured to communicate the control information tothe at least one train-mounted unit control.

In an example implementation, the notifications comprise alerts relatingto the train, and the one or more wayside units are configured toprovide the alerts to one or more workers operating on or near thetrack.

In an example implementation, the at least one wayside unit isconfigured to communicate with a remote system in a back office.

In an example implementation, the at least one wayside unit isconfigured to communicate to the remote system one or more of: ranginginformation, data obtained based on the ranging information, and thenotifications.

In an example implementation, the at least one wayside unit isconfigured to receive from the remote system, information relating toconfiguring and/or controlling operations of the work zone network.

In an example implementation, the one or more wayside units areconfigured to form the work zone network in response to detecting, by atleast one of the one or more wayside units, at least one personal deviceused or carried by at least one worker.

In an example implementation, the one or more wayside units areconfigured to form the work zone network in response to commandsreceived from a remote system.

An example system for worker protection, in accordance with the presentdisclosure, comprises a train-mounted unit for use on a train, with thetrain-mounted unit comprising one or more circuits configured totransmit and/or receive wireless signals, with the signals compriseultra-wideband (UWB) signals; to process transmitted and/or receivedsignals; and to perform based on processing of the transmitted and/orreceived signals, one or more functions. The train-mounted unit isconfigured to communicate with one or more wayside units, configured forplacement on or near a track traversed by the train, with thecommunication comprising communication of ultra-wideband (UWB) signals;and to operate cooperatively with the one or more wayside units, tosupport worker protection functions in a work zone in an areasurrounding or in proximity to the one or more wayside units, with thetrain-mounted unit being configured to support ranging based oncommunications of the UWB signals with at least one of the one or morewayside units.

In an example implementation, the train-mounted unit is configured toreceive a signal indicating presence of a worker in the work zone; andprovide an indication of the presence of the worker to an operator ofthe train.

In an example implementation, the train-mounted unit is configured toreceive a signal indicating an acknowledgment of a safety alert by aworker in the work zone; and provide an indication of theacknowledgement to an operator of the train.

In an example implementation, the train-mounted unit is configured toreceive a signal comprising control information for controllingoperation of the train in relation to the work zone; and providefeedback, relating to the control information, for outputting to anoperator of the train.

In an example implementation, the train-mounted unit is configured toreceive a signal comprising control information for controllingoperation of the train in relation to the work zone; and generate basedon the control information, control signals for controlling at least oneother component of the train.

Aspects of the techniques described herein may be implemented in digitalelectronic circuitry, computer software, firmware, or hardware,including the structures disclosed herein and their structuralequivalents, or in various combinations. Aspects of the techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented using a non-transitory computerreadable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machinereadable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a machinecode and/or a computer program having at least one code sectionexecutable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machineand/or computer to perform the processes as described herein.

Each of the computer programs may have, for example, one or more sets ofprogram instructions residing on or encoded in the non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium for execution by, or to control theoperation of, one or more processors of the machine or the computer.Alternatively or in addition, the instructions may be encoded on anartificially-generated propagated signal, for example, amachine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal thatmay be generated to encode information for transmission to a suitablereceiver apparatus for execution by one or more processors.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium may be, or be included in, anon-transitory computer-readable storage device, a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memoryarray or device, various combinations thereof. Moreover, while anon-transitory computer-readable medium may or may not be a propagatedsignal, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be a source ordestination of program instructions encoded in an artificially-generatedpropagated signal. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may alsobe, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media(for example, CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

Certain techniques described in this specification may be implemented asoperations performed by one or more processors on data stored on one ormore computer-readable mediums or received from other sources. The term“processor” may encompass various kinds of apparatuses, devices, ormachines for processing data, including by way of example a centralprocessing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital-signalprocessor, programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, orvarious combinations thereof. The processor may include special purposelogic circuitry, for example, a field programmable gate array or anapplication-specific integrated circuit.

Program instructions (for example, a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) may be written in various programminglanguages, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and may be deployed in various forms, for exampleas a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object,or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Programinstructions may correspond to a file in a file system. Programinstructions may be stored in a portion of a file that holds otherprograms or data (for example, one or more scripts stored in a markuplanguage document), in a dedicated file or in multiple coordinated files(for example, files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, orportions of code). Program instructions may be deployed to be executedon one or more processors located at one site or distributed acrossmultiple sites connected by a network.

The present technology has now been described in such full, clear,concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art towhich it pertains, to practice the same. It is to be understood that theforegoing describes preferred embodiments and examples of the presenttechnology and that modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.Moreover, it is also understood that the embodiments shown in thedrawings, if any, and as described above are merely for illustrativepurposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As usedin this description, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” includeplural reference such as “more than one” unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Where the term “comprising” appears, it iscontemplated that the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consistingof” could be used in its place to describe certain embodiments of thepresent technology. Further, all references cited herein areincorporated in their entireties.

Accordingly, various embodiments in accordance with the presentinvention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software. The present invention may be realized in acentralized fashion in at least one computing system, or in adistributed fashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or otherapparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein issuited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be ageneral-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, whenbeing loaded and executed, controls the computing system such that itcarries out the methods described herein. Another typical implementationmay comprise an application specific integrated circuit or chip.

Various embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also beembedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the featuresenabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and whichwhen loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.Computer program in the present context means any expression, in anylanguage, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause asystem having an information processing capability to perform aparticular function either directly or after either or both of thefollowing: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b)reproduction in a different material form.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for worker protection, the systemcomprises: a remote server located in a back office of a railwaynetwork; and a wayside unit placed on or near a track; wherein eachwayside unit comprises one or more circuits configured to: transmitand/or receive wireless signals, wherein the signals compriseultra-wideband (UWB) signals; and process transmitted and/or receivedsignals; wherein the wayside unit is configured to: form or become anode in a work zone network, based on UWB communications, correspondingto a work zone in an area surrounding or in proximity to the waysideunit; when the work zone network is formed, generate based on ranginginformation to a train traversing the track, notifications relating tothe train and/or the work zone; and communicate with the remote serverto send and/or receive information or messages relating to the work zonenetwork.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein wayside unit is an anchorpre-installed at a particular location near the track.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the wayside unit is configured to determine, based onthe ranging information, one or both of location and speed of the train.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wayside unit is configured tocommunicate at least a portion of the notifications to a train-mountedunit.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the notifications comprisecontrol information for controlling operation of the train, and whereinthe wayside unit are configured to communicate the control informationto a train-mounted unit.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thenotifications comprise alerts relating to the train, and wherein thewayside unit are configured to provide the alerts to one or more workersoperating on or near the track.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thewayside unit is configured to communicate to the remote server one ormore of: the ranging information, data obtained based on the ranginginformation, and the notifications.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe wayside unit is configured to receive from the remote server,information relating to configuring and/or controlling operations of thework zone network.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the wayside unit isconfigured to form the work zone network in response to detecting atleast one personal device used or carried by at least one worker. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the wayside unit is configured to formthe work zone network in response to commands received from the remoteserver.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the wayside unit isconfigured to set or adjust the zone network based on commands orinformation received from the remote server.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the remote server is configured to remotely configure the workzone in a designated zone.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein theremote server is configured to assign a work zone speed to the workzone.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the remote server isconfigured to assign operation related parameters to the work zone, theoperation related parameters comprising a work zone speed.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a communication backbone thatconnects the wayside unit to the remote server, wherein thecommunication backbone is configured to facilitate communication betweenthe remote server and the wayside unit.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the communication backbone is configured to facilitatecommunication between the remote server and other components or deviceswithin the back office.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the waysideunit is configured to obtain the ranging information based oncommunications of the UWB signals.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe wayside unit is configured to obtain the ranging information basedon communications of the UWB signals with a train-mounted unit deployedon the train.